Vitamin supplementation, proper nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle ensure complete wellness past 60.  

Nutritional requirements of women change with age. Sometimes, dietary supplements become necessary to ensure they receive essential minerals and vitamins to ensure health and wellness. Women above 60 experience a decline in immunity, cognitive functions, and heart and bone health; supplements must be used accordingly. The role of a balanced diet is nevertheless essential, but the diet alone becomes unable to ensure the availability of all nutrients in old age. 

Old age, health and nutritional requirements 

Choosing the right multivitamin requires understanding the nutritional challenges in old age and why supplementation is necessary. The reasons to go for vitamin supplementation are declining;

• Bone health: The most crucial reason a woman needs dietary supplements is bone health. In the aged women, the oestrogen levels fall. The protective influence of oestrogen on the calcium and vitamin D metabolism is diminished, resulting in increased vulnerability to osteopetrosis, bone fractures, kyphosis and joint issues. 10% of women above 60 experience osteoporosis (International Osteoporosis Foundation). Therefore, the women's diet must be supplemented with critical vitamins and minerals, e.g., calcium, zinc, magnesium, B vitamins (folate, B6, B12), C, D and K (Charles Price, Orlando Health, Florida, USA).
• Immune functions: The health and efficiency of the immune system decline with the advancing age, causing increased vulnerability to bacterial and viral infections. Frailty causes a 78% increase in hospitalisations due to infections, says Dr Caterina Trevisan (University of Padova, Italy). Multivitamins containing vitamin E, selenium, vitamin C, and zinc are necessary to boost immune health. 
• Heart health: Heart diseases are the leading cause of death in the aged men and women. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, 80% of women between 40-60 years experience at least one cardiovascular disease risk factor. The vitamins, particularly B vitamins, improve heart health. Some multivitamins contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have protective effects on the heart. 
• Brain Health: Women over 60 experience a sharp decline in brain functions, resulting in conditions like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and dementia. The studies have highlighted that women are more likely than men to experience age-related cognitive decline. The multivitamins containing choline, vitamins E and C and antioxidants help prevent free radical-associated damage to the brain cells. The B vitamins, particularly folate and B12, improve brain health and lower the speed of decline in cognitive functions. 
• Vision: Senior women frequently experience vision impairments. The conditions, like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), result in vision loss (Dr Rita Ehrlich, Indiana University School of Medicine, 2008). Multivitamins containing zeaxanthin and lutein, zinc, and vitamins C, A and E, lower the risk of eye diseases by protecting the eyes from oxidative damage.

A careful selection of multivitamins is critical to provide all essential nutrients. However, dietary supplements are not substitutes for healthy lifestyles and nutrition and must only be taken as supplements to good lifestyles and nutrition. In case of any ambiguity, it is necessary to consult a healthcare professional.

Best Multivitamins for Elderly women

The list is provided for guidance. The choice must be made after consulting the clinical nutritionist or general practitioner. 

MegaFood Women 55+ Advanced Multivitamin

It is offered by MegaFood and is available as easy to swallow tablets. Two tablets are recommended daily. It is gluten-free and contains 20 nutrients, including vitamin B12, methylated folate, and vitamin D, tailored to improve bone and brain health and promote healthy ageing. Most nutrients exceed their 100% daily value (DV). 

It is recommended in the postmenopausal phase as it has green tea leaf extract that supports healing and has anti-inflammatories and antioxidant properties. It is tested for pesticides and herbicides and is stomach and pocket-friendly. However, there is no third-party testing, and vegans must use it cautiously.

SmartyPants Masters Formula Women 50+

• Formulation: Gummy
• Servings per container: 30
• Price: 40.04$
• Daily dose: 4 gummies

It is offered by Smarty Pants Vitamins and is available in the gummy form. The recommended intake is four gummies daily. It is suitable for people who are not comfortable with pills. It contains 17 premium nutrients, including antioxidants, e.g., zeaxanthin and lutein, and vitamins, e.g., D, C, A, B6, B12, folate, omega three fatty acids, e.g., eicosapentaenoic acid. It doesn't contain iron and must be used cautiously because it has added sugar of about 1.5g per gummy.

The manufacturer claims the third-party testing of the finished products. Many health professionals recommend its use, whose remarks are available on their webpage.

Pure encapsulations longevity nutrients

• Formulation: Capsule
• Servings per container: 30
• Price: 67$
• Daily dose: 2 capsules

It is offered by Pure Encapsulations and is available as capsules. The daily recommendation for senior men and women is two capsules with food. It contains premium quality vegetarian ingredients tailored to improve bone health, immune functions and eye health. The primary ingredients are lutein, zeaxanthin, curcumin, vitamins B12 and B6, folate, vitamin D, lycopene, ginkgo biloba, and red wine concentrate. 

It is free of iron, and its non-GMO and gluten-free formula makes it suitable for people who are allergic. It is NSF certified, but some ingredients are above 100% DV dose and must be discussed with the doctor or a nutritionist.

Nature Made Multi for Her 50+

• Formulation: Tablet
• Servings per container: 90 
• Price: 13.59$
• Daily dose: 1 tablet

It is offered by Mature Made and is specially formulated for women above 50. It is available as tablets and contains 22 key ingredients including antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that support overall health and wellness. These include B vitamins, vitamins A, D, C and zinc. The daily recommended dose is 1 tablet per day. 

Its rich formula contains many gut and eye friendly ingredients e.g., cellulose gel, polyethylene glycol, gelatin, hypromellose, silicon dioxide and modified food starch. The patients experiencing clotting issues and taking medications for other conditions are advised caution and consult a healthcare professional. 

Solgar Female Multiple 

• Formulation: Tablet
• Servings per container: 40
• Price: 20.01$
• Daily dose: 3 tablets

It is offered by Solgar and is a blend of more than 30 minerals and vitamins. Its formula is tailored to the needs of aged women and provides a mix of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins to support overall health and wellness. Daily recommended dose is 3 tablets preferably with meal or as recommended by a healthcare professional. 

It has herbal ingredients e.g., soy germ extract, black cohosh extract, milk thistle extract, American ginseng extract , chaste extract, Uva-Ursi extract and Dong Quai extract that improves overall health, particularly immune functions. It's free of artificial flavours, gluten, yeast, wheat and sugar which makes it suitable for vegans. 

New Chapter Every Woman's One Daily 55+

• Formulation: Tablet
• Servings per container: 30
• Price: 30$
• Daily dose: 1 tablet

It is offered by New Chapter and is a unique blend of over 50 superfood botanicals, probiotics, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Its formula contains whole foods and is ideal for aged women. The ingredients are tailored to boost energy metabolism and improve the health of the heart, skin, hair, bone, brain, and breast. 

It is free of allergens, heavy metals, gluten, residual solvents, and pesticides. One tablet is recommended daily. It is budget-friendly and can be taken anytime, even on an empty stomach.

Thorne Women's Multi 50+ 

• Formulation: Capsule
• Servings per container: 30 
• Price: 48$
• Daily dose: 6 capsules 

This product is offered by THORNE and is available as capsules. The serving size is six capsules, and the box pack contains 30 servings. It provides biotin, calcium, choline, folate, chromium, iodine, manganese, Magnesium, pantothenic acid, selenium, thiamine, zinc, selenium, zinc, niacin, and vitamins, e.g., D3, C, E, riboflavin, B12, and A. Additional nutrients are boron and Lutein. It is, however, free from iron and copper. 

It has been available in the market for a long time, and a lot of research supports its use. The National Institute of Health (NIH) hailed it as an excellent option to combat Mg deficiency in senior women.

Equate Complete Multivitamin Adults 50+

• Formulation: Tablet
• Servings per container: 220
• Price: 8.88$
• Daily dose: 1 tablet 

It is a budget-friendly multivitamin and is available in the form of tablets. The daily recommended dose is one tablet. It provides minerals like calcium, potassium, chloride, molybdenum, chromium, copper, manganese, selenium, copper, Mg, iodine and phosphorus, and vitamins, e.g., biotin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, B12, B6, K, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, E, D, C, and A. It contains several other ingredients but is free of artificial flavours, gluten, iron, and lactose. 

It is free from artificial flavours and gluten and is safe for allergic people. However, people taking other medications, nursing or pregnant mothers and individuals with severe health conditions must consult the doctor before use.

Garden of Life Vitamin Code 50 & Wiser Women

• Formulation: Capsule
• Servings per container: 30
• Price: 39.13$
• Daily dose: 4 capsules

It is offered by Garden of Life and is available as capsules. The serving size is two capsules, and two servings are recommended daily. It provides minerals, e.g., molybdenum, chromium, manganese, selenium, zinc, and iodine, and vitamins like pantothenic acid, biotin, B12, folate, B6, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, K, E, D, C and A. Additional nutrients are raw vegetable and fruit blend, enzymes, live probiotics, vanadium, boron, vitamin K2, natural probiotic, antioxidants and immune support complex which are tailored to improve overall health.

It's free of artificial preservatives and flavours, shellfish, tree wild, peanuts, soy, and dairy products, and is suitable for allergic people. The probiotics improve immune and digestive health.

Are multivitamins necessary for older women?

Vitamin supplementation is not necessary for people taking a balanced diet. However, nutritionists recommend vitamin supplementation in older women to avoid vitamin deficiencies, particularly the deficiency of vitamin D and vitamin B12.

How can a woman over 60 improve her health?

Improving and maintaining health involves adopting a healthy lifestyle, e.g., staying physically active, getting sufficient sleep, eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and adopting a proactive approach to healthcare. 

Which is the best multivitamin for a senior woman?

The choice is individual-specific. However, MegaFood Women 55+ Advanced Multivitamin is recommended by the experts due to its excellent efficacy and excellent user reviews.

What can a 60-year-old woman do to look younger?

Looking younger and healthy requires a comprehensive healthcare approach. Some options worth considering are lowering the sugar intake, taking care of the face, avoiding harsh chemical cosmetics, getting enough sleep and choosing healthy foods. 

What is the best diet plan for a senior lady?

Women above 60 must take more fruits, vegetables, beans, lean meat, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products and avoid fad diets and empty calories in the form of sugar.